Patent GB-1463318-A (GB)
Title: Apparatus for recording and reproducing audio and video signals
IPC: G11B15/67
Filed: 1973-12-28
Abstract: 1463318 Recording/playback apparatus MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO Ltd 28 Dec 1973 [29 Dec 1972] 60031/73 Heading G5R In an audio and video recording/reproducing apparatus the insertion of a single reel cartridge of magnetic tape with transparent leader into a cartridge casing and its subsequent movement in the casing to a playing position are detected and automatically initiate threading of the tape preceded by the leader along a path which includes the tape transport and a group of transducers including a rotary head arrangement; subsequent operations, e.g. recording &c., being controlled by push buttons. Entry of the cartridge into cartridge casing 1 is detected by a sensing lever so that a cam 7 thereon engages a part 63 to rotate cartridge detection lever 58 and thereby release the locking condition of levers 27, 39 on sliding plates 24, 36. The easing is then moved downwardly guided by the pantograph, until locking piece 11 on the underside of the casing engages a locking pin 92. This movement activates microswitch 99, and pin 19 which moves horizontally during movement of the pantograph moves the sliding plates 24, 36 in the direction F. Movement of the plate 24 allows a lever 90 to rotate to move idler wheels 85, 86 to couple a drive wheel 81 to tape reel turntable 4. In addition switches 175 and 230 are operated and lever 66 will be rotated to lift the brake 76 from turntable 4 and brake 226 from take up reel turntable 209 and also acts via lever 161 to slide plate 131 in direction N to prevent operation of any of the operating buttons 120-124. Microswitch 234 is operated by sliding plate 36 and lever 46 is shifted to prevent ejection of the cartridge. Drive motor 78 is now energized since the operation of switches 99 and 234 proves that a cartride has been inserted in the casing and that the casing has been lowered to its operating position. The motor drives the leader tape out of the cartridge through leader guide 181 and tape winding lever 218 and guide plate 225 assist its take up on reel 213. At the end of a period set for loading a step solenoid 147 is operated rotating a lever 150 whereby via rods 153, 156 the sliding plate 24 is released thereby separating wheels 85, 86 from drive wheel 81 and the turntable so that loading is stopped. The brakes are reapplied, the operating buttons are freed for operation and operation of switch 175 causes the stoppage of the drive of the motor 78. The recorder may now be operated by the push buttons 120-124. The cartridge can be ejected after rewinding of the tape on to the cartridge reel. At the end of rewind a switch 223 is operated by lever 218 in the take up reel 213 and switch 313 is operated by photo sensor circuit 312 responsive to the tape transparent leader whereby with the rewind button depressed and after a delay in circuit 314 the stop electromagnet drive circuit 304 is operated to energize solenoid 147. This moves rod 154 in direction I causing lever 141 to rotate moving rod 159 and causing eject mechanism stop lever 47 to be rotated and held by locking lever 50. This allows the cartridge to be ejected by operation of an eject lever 107.